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Mumbai: After consecutive years of water shortages and supply cuts in July due to delayed monsoons, this year has brought much-needed relief for Mumbai. The combined water stock in the seven lakes that supply drinking water to the city has reached 7.34 lakh million litres (ML) or 50% of their total capacity.
As recently as June 16, Mumbai faced a looming water crisis, with the combined water stock in the city’s seven supply lakes plummeting to just 8.64%, enough to last only about a month. The BMC had even begun drawing water from the reserve stock in Upper Vaitarna Lake, allocated by the state government.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn following heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of rivers in Thane and Nashik districts. Over the past three weeks, the water stock in Mumbai’s seven lakes has surged from 8.64% to 50%, marking a remarkable recovery and the highest level recorded during this period in the past two years.
In comparison, the stock was just 1.24 lakh ML or 8.59% in 2024 and 2.55 lakh ML or 17.66% in 2023. While the current levels have eased immediate water concerns, civic officials emphasise the need for continued rainfall.
"The city requires a total of 14.47 lakh ML of water stock in these lakes by October 1 to ensure an uninterrupted supply throughout the year. The current stock has definitely eased the water tension in the city, but it is crucial that rainfall continues in the catchment areas until September to meet the full-year requirement," said a civic official.
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Total water stock in seven lakes on July 04...
Lakes.....current level ....overflow level (all figures in metres)
Upper Vaitarna..601.13.....603.51
Modak Sagar....157.22...163.15
Tansa...124.36......128.63
Middle Vaitarna....270.70...285
Bhatsa...124.30.....142.07
Vehar...76.93...80.12
Tulsi...135.04.......139.17
